The Sokoto State Police Command has neutralised a suspected armed bandit and recovered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition following a foiled attack on Daraye Village in Wamako Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Sokoto.
Rufa’i said the operation was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle emerging security threats and curb violent crimes across the state.
He said the command received a distress call at about 1:35 a.m. on July 4 that a large number of heavily armed bandits had attacked Daraye Village.
According to him, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams were immediately deployed to reinforce personnel of the Wamakko Divisional Police Headquarters.
“The operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the bandits to flee into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
“During a subsequent combing operation, one suspected bandit was neutralised, while one AK-47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered,” he stated.
The police spokesman said confidence-building patrols had been intensified in the area to reassure residents and prevent further criminal activities.
He added that neighbouring divisional police headquarters had also been placed on high alert to apprehend any injured suspects seeking medical attention.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the gallantry of the officers involved in the operation.
He said the Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying efforts to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of lives and property across Sokoto State.
